Domaine de la Bonne Tonne
Anne-Laure and Thomas Agatensi
Anne-Laure Grillet and Thomas Agatensi joined Domaine de la Bonne Tonne - so called because of the cadastral plan - in 2019, bearing the torch from Marcel Grillet as the 7th-generation winemakers at the estate. Although 2019 only marks Thomas’ first vintage on his own, his conviction to earnestly represent the best climat of Beaujolais is palpable.
The winery has been practicing organic farming methods since 2003, though has been certified organic since 2012. Additionally, the estate has been utilizing different biodynamic preparations since 2007. The winery is composed of 6.5 hectares: four in Morgon and two in Régnié, along with a touch of Beaujolais Blanc.
After working as a solar panel engineer in Switzerland for five years, Thomas briefly took a position with Bret Brothers in Mâcon before returning to his childhood hometown with Anne-Laure. Shortly after, the duo took over the family domaine from Marcel.
Thomas takes his inspiration from the supportive natural winemakers in the area, such as Jean-Louis Dutraive, Paul-Henri Thillardon, and Yann Bertrand. All wines are farmed organically, indigenous yeasts are used in the cellar, and only a touch of SO2 is added right before bottling. For vinification, whole-cluster grapes are cooled off in small batches before semi-carbonic maceration, and then the wines are aged for 8-9 months in old 600L foudres.
Key information
Beaujolais
Morgon
6.5 hectares
Founded in 1975
The wines
Beaujolais Blanc
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Morgon Les Charmes
"A climate which is aptly named when you get the privilege to taste it. Les Charmes is arguably the most enchanting wine of Morgon appellation with its seducing mouth and charming character." -Winemaker Thomas Agatensi
Morgon Climat Cote du Py
"A truly structured wine marked by its dominant side. A vibrant tribute to the famous Cote du Py' hill, overhanging the neighboring climats of Les Charmes and Grand-Cras while staring at Régnié vineyard." -Winemaker Thomas Agatensi
Régnié Cléa
"This eponymous cuvée named as a tribute to Anne Laure and Thomas ' first little girl, is greatly inspired by Cléa's genuine personality as Thomas likes to say : full of character." -Winemaker Thomas Agatensi
Morgon Grands Cras
"Grands-Cras climate is a daily challenge to work on but above all else, this vineyard brings out a thrilling outcome when you manage to be patient and attentive with it." -Winemaker Thomas Agatensi
Morgon Vieilles Vignes
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Régnié Agath’The Blues
"This Régnié cuvee holds a particular place in my heart. Although being less serious than its fellow neighbour of Morgon, this plot remains a personal pride, a little toy which I have always been looking to acquire as a native child of Régnié. I go...